Biology terms

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid): the code of life

RNA (Ribonucleic acid): a molecule that is involved in protein synthesis and gene expression.

Chromosome: a long, coiled-up strand of DNA that contains many genes.

Gene: a segment of DNA that contains the instructions for making a protein or RNA molecule.

Genome: the complete set of DNA or genetic material in an organism.

Protein synthesis: the process of creating proteins

Mutation: a change in the DNA sequence that can alter the function or expression of a gene.

Phenotype: the observable characteristics of an organism, resulting from its genetic makeup and environmental factors.

Genotype: the genetic makeup of an organism, determined by its DNA sequence.

Enzyme: a protein that catalyzes chemical reactions, such as the conversion of one molecule to another.

Exons - coding regions of a gene that are transcribed into mRNA and ultimately translated into protein.

Introns - non-coding regions of a gene that are transcribed into mRNA but removed through a process called splicing before translation.

Transcription: the process by which RNA is synthesized from a DNA template.

Translation: the process by which a protein is synthesized from an mRNA template.

Transcription factor: a protein that binds to specific DNA sequences and regulates the transcription of genes.

Mutagenesis: the process of inducing mutations in DNA or genetic material, often for the purpose of studying gene function or creating genetic diversity. Mutagens are agents that can cause mutations, such as chemicals, radiation, or viruses.

Somatic cells: any cell in the body that is not a germ cell (i.e. not a sperm or egg cell), and therefore does not contribute to hereditary traits.

Germ cells: sperm or egg cells that carry genetic information that can be passed down to offspring.

Embryonic stem cells: pluripotent cells that can differentiate into any type of cell in the body, derived from embryos created through IVF.